"Can I ask you how is it possible to create some good jingles for my radio program?"
- DJ
According to one source, the first radio jingle was created in 1926 for Wheaties and ever since, jingles have played strong supporting roles in radio programming and radio & TV advertisements.
Most jingles are written and created by professional companies and come at quite a cost (although later in this article, I’ll tell you how to get those same jingles for personal use.)
Pams, Jams, and other famous companies hire professional musicians and singers to create their jingle products which are generally sold in multi-cut "packages" to radio stations, advertisers, and others who need them.
Packages include full sing versions, partial sings, music tracks, effects, etc. - all the elements both produced together and separated to allow the individual radio station to maximize the elements as it sees fit.
But, what if you don’t have several thousand dollars to buy a full package?
Homegrown
Well, option one is to make your own - especially if you have some musical background and either can sing yourself or know some singers who will help you. With free multi-track software like Audacity, you can lay in a public domain music track (or one you own) and overdub a melody and various harmonies.
For more links to multi-track recording software, check out the Recording Software, Utilities, and Audio Applications section here at Radio.about.com or Homerecording.about.com.
But, if you don’t possess the talent, the resources, or the time to do it yourself, here are other options.
Best Kept Secret
If you can do a little audio editing, for under $5 dollars, you can customize a song at InstaSong.com and then edit it into quick and dirty jingles. InstaSong offers a large amount of song choices for holidays and events. You can create serious, funny, or edgy songs.
Each song is only $4.95 and you can create and then preview online as many songs as you wish before you actually purchase. If you are looking for a jingle with your name in it and have a talent for editing, you can make this work. (Note: I don't know what, if any, copyright restrictions may exist for products from InstaSong.com.)
Ask the Pros
But, if you don’t possess those skills and are prepared to spend a bit more money, one of the most famous names in radio jingles, Pam Productions, offers a "Personal Cuts" program which allows you to pick almost any jingle from their library, customize the lyrics, and get a full sing version with background music for $250 - just like radio stations receive. But, you don't have to buy the whole "package". They'll let you buy one a la carte.
Plus: the more cuts you buy, the lower the price goes. You can also get an a cappella vocal without the music track for $165.00 or a group "Shout" for a mere $65.00. For more on this program, go to www.pams.com.
Of course, there are many jingle production houses and if none of the above seem to be viable alternatives for you, then use the keywords "create custom jingle" on any search engine and you will be presented with many more links to explore.
